Henry Lever Action Rifles

Henry Repeating Arms has built its reputation almost entirely on lever-action rifles, and the lineup reflects that focus—no shortcuts, no cost-cutting, and some of the smoothest actions available at any price. The Henry family spans calibers from .22 LR through .45-70 Government, with action sizes, barrel lengths, and stock options to match everything from small game to big bear country. Browse the full Henry lever-action lineup below or use the guide to find the right rifle for your needs.

Read our full Henry Lever Action Buying Guide ↓

Rimfire Lever Actions

Henry’s rimfire lever actions in .22 LR, .22 Magnum, and .17 HMR are the rifles that built the brand. They feature a brass or steel receiver, American walnut stock, and an octagonal barrel on many configurations, with a tubular magazine that loads from the front. These are excellent introductory lever actions—affordable enough to be a first rifle and well-made enough to be a lifelong one. The .22 LR versions are among the best-selling lever guns in the country year after year.

Pistol-Caliber Lever Actions

Henry offers lever actions in 9mm, .357 Magnum/.38 Special, .44 Magnum/.44 Special, and .45 Colt—calibers that let shooters pair a lever rifle with a revolver or pistol and share ammunition between them. These rifles are popular for home defense, hunting at moderate ranges, and cowboy action shooting. The 9mm Homesteader in particular has generated significant interest for its pairing potential with Glock and Ruger pistol magazines. Capacities run from 7 to 10 rounds depending on caliber and barrel length.

Big-Bore Lever Actions

For hunters and serious outdoorsmen, Henry offers lever guns in .30-30 Winchester, .35 Remington, .45-70 Government, and .360 Buckhammer. These cartridges deliver heavy bullets at moderate velocities—ideal for deer, hog, and bear hunting in timber and brush. The .45-70 Henry handles the largest North American game with the right loads. Henry’s side-gate models allow topping off the magazine one round at a time without disassembling the tube—a significant practical advantage in the field.

Side Gate vs. Tubular Loading

Traditional Henry lever actions use a front-loading tubular magazine that requires removing the inner tube to load. This is a clean, reliable design but some shooters prefer a side gate—a loading port on the right side of the receiver that lets you top off one round at a time, cowboy-style. Henry now offers side-gate versions of most centerfire models. If you’re using the rifle in competition or in the field where quick reloads matter, a side-gate model is worth the modest price premium.

Steel vs. Brass Receiver

Henry offers lever guns with both blued steel and polished brass receivers. The brass receiver is the classic Henry look—distinctive and traditional—with no functional advantage or disadvantage over steel. All Henry lever actions use American walnut on standard models, with synthetic options available on weather-resistant configurations. Any Henry is a quality rifle; receiver material is an aesthetic preference, not a performance consideration.

Browse the full Henry brand page to see all Henry models including the Homesteader 9mm, or visit our rifles page to compare Henry lever guns against other lever-action options. See our Marlin page for another leading American lever-action brand.